I'd be really grateful for some advice on puppy vaccinations. I'm getting my new lab pup on the 21st January when she's 8 weeks of age.  The breeder will be having the litter parvo vaccinated before they are ready for collection.  Having spoken to someone at my vets they would want to give her a full course of vaccinations after 8 weeks, even though she will have already had the parvo vaccination.  Is this normal?...I'm a bit concerned that this will be too much for a young puppy. I'm very keen to socialise her outside of our home as early as possible, so how soon after her vaccinations are complete will she be completely covered?  The vet said she won't be covered until 7-10 days after the 2nd vaccination, but that'll take her up to about 13 weeks of age!

Also I've got 2 other dogs...their boosters are due early February.  Would I be better taking them for their boosters before I pick up the new pup, so that there's no chance of them passing anything to the puppy?

Many thanks
Briar's new mum

Follow your vet's advice. My vet vaccinates at 10 weeks and 12 weeks, and the pups are safe to go on the ground a week - 10 days after the second - so yes, 13, nearly 14 weeks old. But of course they are still taken out and about for socialsation in the meantime - they just have to be carried. By the time a lab is 13 weeks old it is a hefty lump to carry (I know, I've done it!) but it's worth it. It helps you develop the strong arms you are going to need when teaching the 'heel'!

And yes, your vet is likely to repeat the parvo part of the vaccine, just to be certain that it's been given.

I would certainly discuss with your vet the advisability of getting your others boosted slightly early - it sounds like a sensible idea, but there may be disadvantages I haven't considered.

Have fun with your pup!
:)

No it`s not advisable to have adult dogs boostered when puppies will be in contact with them. The boosters given will almost for sure be live vaccines. Live vaccines do shed the virus into the enviroment & will put puppies more at risk!

Christine, Spain.